Park Activities
Biking
Bikers are encouraged to utilize trails in Rifle Mountain Park, and nearby USFS property.
(Updated: 7/17/2021 10:17 AM)
Camping
Rifle Falls has thirteen drive-in and seven walk-in campsites that sit to the south along East Rifle Creek. The drive-in sites accommodate tents, trailers, motor homes and pickup campers. The walk-in sites are for tent camping only and cannot accommodate car top tents.
See the Camping section for a complete campground description.
(Updated: 2/17/2024 9:22 AM)
Cross-country Skiing
Cross-country skiers can access USFS property by going to Rifle Creek Trailhead in Rifle Mountain Park. A Rifle Mountain Park parks pass is necessary.
(Updated: 7/17/2021 10:18 AM)
Dog-friendly
Dogs are welcome in the park as long as:
- they are on a six foot or shorter leash at all times
- their waste is properly disposed of
- they are attended at all times, including on campgrounds
While dogs are allowed within the park, they are not permitted in the adjacent State Wildlife Area; please keep this in mind when planning hikes.
(Updated: 7/17/2021 10:18 AM)
Education Programs
Please call the park office for detailed information on programs at: (970) 625-1607!
(Updated: 12/7/2022 1:56 PM)
Fishing
Rainbow, brown and cutthroat trout are found in East Rifle Creek, which flows through Rifle Falls. Fish up to 19 inches long have been taken, with 6- to 9-inch fish being the average size.
The CPW Rifle Falls Fish Hatchery, is upstream of Rifle Falls. It is one of the largest trout production hatcheries in Colorado. It can be reached by hiking the Bobcat Trail or by continuing up Highway 325. Free tours of the Hatchery are available during the summer.
(Updated: 7/17/2021 10:19 AM)
Hiking
Three unique hiking trails meander along the creek and through luxuriant riparian area throughout the park. They provide access to the caves, the top of the falls, and the creek upstream and downstream from the park.
The Bobcat Trail follows Rifle Creek to the Rifle Falls Fish Hatchery. See the Trails section for complete trail descriptions.
Please use caution as parts of the trails are steep and can become slippery when wet. Come prepared with sturdy hiking boots and plenty of water.
(Updated: 7/17/2021 10:19 AM)
Hunting
Big game hunting is excellent in the White River National Forest and on lands administered by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management, which are adjacent to the park.
Rifle Falls serves as a base camp for hunters using these lands. Hunting within the park’s boundaries is controlled. Information on park seasons and regulations is available from any park ranger or the park office. Call the park at (970) 625-1607 for more information.
(Updated: 7/17/2021 10:20 AM)
Picnicking
Picnicking in campsites is not allowed without a reservation.
(Updated: 4/13/2024 9:30 AM)
Snowmobiling
The closest groomed snowmobile trails are at the Rifle Creek Trailhead in Rifle Mountain Park. From there, riders will travel onto the White River National Forest. This trailhead is approximately 5 miles from Rifle Falls State Park.
(Updated: 7/17/2021 10:21 AM)
Winter Activities
Sightseeing, hiking, picnicking, fishing and camping are popular wintertime activities at Rifle Falls State Park. The three 70-foot waterfalls provide excellent photographic opportunities during winter months. The campground has electric sites available for reservations during the winter.
(Updated: 1/4/2023 1:43 PM)
Winter Camping
Rifle Falls campground is closed in the winter. Please call the park office at: (970) 625-1607 with any questions!
(Updated: 4/13/2024 9:17 AM)